The Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 5 March 2009, granting temporary planning permission for a change of use at 36-40 Aberfeldy Street, London. The committee also noted that an application for 304 Burdett Road would be considered at a future meeting.

Planning Applications for Decision

36-40 Aberfeldy Street, London

Planning permission was granted for a temporary change of use at units 36-40 Aberfeldy Street in London. The application sought to change the use of parts of the properties from a dentist and offices to a place of worship and education facility. The temporary consent has been extended to three years.

The decision was made with a vote of 5 in favour and 2 against. Councillor Shafiqul Haque, Chair of the Development Committee, declared a personal interest in this item as he had previously visited the community centre and received correspondence regarding the application.

Ms Nancy Neal, a resident of the Aberfeldy Estate, spoke in objection to the plans. Mr Julian Mitchell, representing the applicant Poplar Harca, spoke in support.

The approved changes include:

• The ground floor of No. 36 changing from a dentist (D1 use class) to a place of worship and education facility (D1 use class).
• The ground, first, and second floors of No. 38 changing from an office (A2 use class) to a place of worship and education facility (D1 use class).
• The first and second floors of No. 40 changing from an office (A2 use class) to a place of worship and education facility (D1 use class).

In addition to the three-year temporary consent, the hours of use for the ground floor place of worship have been extended. It can now be used for prayer outside of the standard 7 am to 11 pm Monday to Sunday, specifically for dawn and night prayers. This is restricted to a maximum of 15 worshippers, no earlier than 4 am and no later than 11:30 pm. Provision has also been made for extended hours on two occasions per calendar year, to accommodate the faith calendar. These decisions are subject to appropriate amendments to highway conditions.

304 Burdett Road, E14

The report for the planning application at 304 Burdett Road, E14, was withdrawn from the agenda by officers. The application will be considered at a future meeting after amendments have been made and further consultation has taken place.

Other Business

The committee noted the procedure for hearing objections and those who had registered to speak. They also agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2009 as a correct record. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Denise Jones and Tim O'Flaherty.

The committee also resolved to delegate the task of formalising wording changes to recommendations to the Corporate Director Development and Renewal. This delegation also extends to making any necessary changes to the wording of the committee's decision prior to its issue, provided the substantive nature of the decision is not exceeded.